Indian Railways bans objectionable advertisements on trains
Indian Railways has adopted an ethical and policy-driven approach for advertisements on trains (inside and outside coaches) as well as within station premises. No obscene content will be displayed. Advertisements from private insurance companies offering policies against railway accidents will also not be accepted.
All advertisements are awarded to agencies through e-auction, and transparent selection is ensured via an online portal. Advertising agencies must comply with central and state laws. If any objectionable advertisement is found, immediate corrective action will be taken, as per the issued guidelines.
Published on: March 28, 2026, 4:42 PM (PIB Delhi), Release ID: 2246447, Visitor Counter : 44
Indian Railways has formulated a comprehensive policy to generate non-fare revenue (NFR) through advertisements and branding. Under the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising policy, opportunities are available in circulating areas of stations. As per the Railway Display Network (RDN) policy, advertisements are shown through digital screens at stations and surrounding areas. Additionally, trains and coaches (both inside and outside) are being used for branding and advertising.
Revenue generated from advertisements forms part of “sundry earnings,” and detailed figures are available in the annual statistical reports of Indian Railways.
All advertisement contracts are awarded through e-auction via the Indian Railways e-Procurement System (IREPS) online portal. Bidders are selected in accordance with commercial earning and non-fare revenue policies.
Prior approval from the Divisional Railway Office is mandatory before displaying advertisements on trains. While the selection of brands is the responsibility of advertising agencies, they are required to comply with central and state laws.
Prohibited Advertisements (Inside & Outside Trains):
- Alcoholic beverages
- Obscene or indecent content
- Advertisements competing with other modes of transport
- Ads from private insurance companies offering Advertisements of alcoholic drinks.
- Advertisements against background scenes which are erotic in character.
- Competitive advertisements from other modes of transport.
- Advertisement from Private Insurance companies offering policies against Railway Accidents.
- Advertisements of Cigarettes, Bidis and other Tobacco products.
However, in case of any violation, an immediate corrective action is taken.
This information was provided by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on Friday .
